By Deanne Jeffers
WHEN Tori Sutherland’s waters broke at just 24 weeks, she was flown from Wangaratta to Melbourne’s Mercy Hospital for Women.
“We were over the moon expecting twins,” Tori said. “Then all of a sudden, we were fighting for our lives.”
Tori gave birth to twins Lyla and Hudson. Tragically, Hudson passed away after just one day.
“I still carry that grief with me every day,” she said. “You never expect to go home without your baby.”
Lyla spent 119 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Tori stayed in Melbourne while partner Stuart returned home to care for their family in regional Victoria.
“It was very hard being in the city by myself,” Tori said. “Support made all the difference.”
That support came from Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, which provides care packs, online connection groups and ongoing support to families with premature or sick babies.
To mark 20 years, the Foundation is launching The Mighty Trek Challenge, pushing an incubator 900 kilometres from Sydney to Melbourne, stopping in Shepparton on October 17.
“Pushing the incubator symbolises the long journey families go on,” CEO Felicia Walstead said. “For some, it’s two weeks, others it’s six months. If you have a prem baby and have to leave them in hospital for one night, it is devastating.”
The goal is to raise $1M to expand hospital support for families with sick or premature babies by 2026. Every year in Australia, 48,000 babies are born prematurely or sick, with one in seven needing critical care in the NICU or Special Care Nursery (SCN).
The emotional toll on families like the Sutherlands can be devastating. To support Life’s Little Treasures Foundation and The Mighty Trek and help deliver life changing care to families, consider donating to the Foundation or taking part in October.
For more information, go to: lifeslittletreasures.org.au or visit https://walk-for-prems-2025.raiselysite.com/
